Rice County News

Applications for 2026 Boys State of Kansas Session Open

Monday, December 1

December 1, 2025 — The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is accepting applications for its 2026 session. The event is set to be held Sunday, May 31, through Saturday, June 6, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This will be the program’s... Read More.

Lofton Presented with 2025 Governor’s Tourism Award

Wednesday, November 26

The 2025 recipient of the Governor’s Tourism Award was awarded to Holly Lofton, Director of the Lindsborg Convention and Visitors Bureau. Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland personally presented Lofton with the award during the 2026 Kansas Tourism Conference.This annual award was established... Read More.

The Heart of the Holidays: Supporting Our Local Business

Tuesday, November 25

The real magic of the holidays usually isn't found in grand gestures. It’s in the small things—the familiar wave from a neighbor or a friendly conversation over a shop counter. This year, on Saturday, November 29, 2025, we have a wonderful chance to celebrate... Read More.

Kansas Child Care Zones Program Supports Communities Working to Address Local Child Care Issues

Monday, November 24

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment launched the Child Care Zones program in 2025 to support communities working to address local child care issues. A Child Care Zone is a self-defined geographic area (of at least two counties) that receives state-level support to... Read More.

K-State Entomologist Shares Tips for Keeping Winter Pests Out of Homes, Yards

Monday, November 24

Cloyd says most insects are more of a nuisance, rather than danger MANHATTAN, Kan. — With cooler temperatures pushing fall pests toward homes, K-State horticultural entomologist Raymond Cloyd says a few simple sanitation steps can stop nuisance insects before they settle in.“As the temperature gets... Read More.

K-State Expert Helps Lead National Call to Boost Aging Services

Monday, November 24

Extension specialists across U.S. contribute to special issue on Aging in AmericaMANHATTAN, Kan. — A Kansas State University expert on aging and adult development is a key contributor to a national publication that she says will help to shine a national spotlight on the... Read More.

Commerce Awards Over $7.6M in CDBG Grants to 19 Kansas Communities

Thursday, November 20

TOPEKA, Kan. — Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced more than $7.6 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding has been awarded for 19 projects across Kansas. These investments are aimed at strengthening infrastructure, housing, and economic opportunities in... Read More.

KDHE Launches New Wastewater Monitoring Dashboard

Wednesday, November 19

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has launched its new Kansas Wastewater Monitor for Respiratory Viruses dashboard.This interactive tool offers the public, policymakers, researchers, and other partners access to information on the presence of viruses in Kansas communities. Community members will... Read More.

Evergy Urges Customers to be Vigilant for Scams

Wednesday, November 19

TOPEKA, Kan. — Evergy urges customers to watch out for utility scams. Today is Utility Scam Awareness Day November 19. This observance is part of a nationwide initiative with United Utilities Against Scams to raise awareness and educate customers about the growing threat of... Read More.

Kansas County Farm Bureaus Partner With Kansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry

Tuesday, November 18

How hunting provides food to Kansas communities and the ways Farm Bureau stepped up to help (November 5, 2025) — The tradition of hunting in Kansas is strong with generations of families. Conservation of many hunted species is vital to the landscape in Kansas.... Read More.

Lyons City Council Accepts Administrator Resignation, Elects and Appoints Officials

Monday, November 17

LYONS, Kan. — Following a 30-minute executive session, the Lyons Council voted at Monday evening's meeting to accept the resignation of City Administrator Troy Houtman, effective immediately. The resignation was accepted one day before the one-year anniversary of his hiring, after having served for... Read More.

Governor Kelly, KDHE Ask Kansans to Use Antibiotics Wisely

Monday, November 17

Governor Laura Kelly proclaimed Nov. 18-24 as Use Antibiotics Wisely Week in Kansas. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is asking health care providers and Kansans to use antibiotics wisely to help protect from the threat of growing resistance. This one-week observance... Read More.